After the release of their EP One, Tensei, which consists of Chicago based musicians Simple X and Midas Wells, have released their second instrumental effort, Two on LA based label, Plug Research. Inspired by ‘70s soul, afro-funk, and themed soundtracks that recall espionage, Two builds from the experimental hip-hop inspired beats of One.

However, Two takes the groove deeper with its jazzy inflections, ethnic rhythms, cosmic electronics, and live instrumentation making it a bit more soulful and funkier. The one vocal track, “Think Twice,” which features multi-instrumentalist Khari Lemuel of TheOnes and Jae Franklin is an ode to the infectious soul classics of yesteryear with a modernized twist while “Passport,” which was featured on the Plug Research Compilation, is a an exquisite soundbed filled with lush pleasantries. And while this is Tensei’s second formal release, it still marks the beginning for the artists so journey with them as they continue on a path that pushes the limits and boundaries of hip hop inspired beat making and production to higher elevation.

]]>http://www.plugresearch.com/tensei/download-the-new-tensei-ep-ii/feed0Plug Research compilation : Free download !http://www.plugresearch.com/tensei/plug-research-compilation-free-download
http://www.plugresearch.com/tensei/plug-research-compilation-free-download#commentsWed, 21 Mar 2012 12:46:08 +0000http://www.plugresearch.com/tensei/?p=135This is a free compilation that we wanted to share with everyone. All brand new music coming out on plug during the spring quarter of 2012. We have been at this for the last 15 years and at some point this year, we will have had our 200th release. This is the year of letting go. Opening the flood gates of Plug Research for all to enjoy all of the wonders we have in our vaults.

Download all 12 tracks, FREE. Share this with anyone and everyone!
You just have to enter your email below, and you will get the download link.

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]]>http://www.plugresearch.com/tensei/plug-research-compilation-free-download/feed0Biographyhttp://www.plugresearch.com/tensei/biography
http://www.plugresearch.com/tensei/biography#commentsWed, 22 Feb 2012 14:17:45 +0000http://www.plugresearch.com/sene/?p=22Simple X and Midas Wells were both born and raised in the city of wind. Chris grew up in the suburbs while Midas spent many of his formative years in the south side of Chicago. X recalls his teenage years when MCing was his expression of choice but the day he touched a beat machine that all changed and production became the priority. Midas was drawn to music through summers he would spend in Arkansas visiting his grandmother and her antique piano.

Though his parents were religious, he got introduced to secular music through records played by uncles and brothers. He began dabbling in production with pause tapes and a Casio SK-1.

On separate paths, Midas and Simple X finally met at Southern Illinois University in the late 90’s where they shared a dorm. They were part of a collective of friends who all had hip-hop in common, among them Serengeti of Anticon and Open Mike Eagle. At the time X and Midas met while cyphering, though neither was ever a serious MC, but nonetheless the two built a natural rapport and friendship. It was in that dorm room that Midas and X would become musical lab partners, experimenting with sound and working within the limited capacity that their resources afforded them in 1998.

Once college ended however, the collective went their own ways and pursued more individual paths, many still involved in music, but X and Midas lost touch for a bit. X got a “regular job” but still devoted his energy to production on from time to time. Midas continued making music and though he had several projects there were a few experiences that turned him off and Midas left music all-together for a bit.

A few years ago, Simple X and Midas serendipitously ran into each other at a friend’s gig in Chicago and mutual curiosity led to the seed for Tensei being planted. Soon, they decided to try and make music together.

After spending some time honing their production chops, X and Midas developed a sublime synergy between the two. “We can speak with the music without much hassle,” explains Midas. They hail from the musical mecca of Chicago, so the two have a vast wealth of influence and history to inform their production. As a result, Tensei is not heavily reliant on samples. They play musical parts themselves with both real and digital instruments, along with working with session musicians and vocalists.

Simple X used his knowledge of Japanese language and culture to choose the name Tensei, meaning ‘heaven star’, for the duo. Now signed to LA label Plug Research, the wide range and hybridity of Tensei’s sounds will soon be finding its way towards your ears. Stay tuned.

Notes:
*Tensei’s music between 2009 and 2011, general overview of what we do.
**Collection of unreleased songs, remixes, and sonic experimentation consisting of live instrumentation and beats

]]>http://www.plugresearch.com/tensei/plug-research-podcast-14-tensei/feed0Robots remix for Bilalhttp://www.plugresearch.com/tensei/robots-remix-for-bilal
http://www.plugresearch.com/tensei/robots-remix-for-bilal#commentsThu, 02 Feb 2012 13:12:23 +0000http://www.plugresearch.com/tensei/?p=110Be sure to check Tensei’s remix of Bilal’s Robots.
Available on the ‘Robots EP’ from the Plug Research store.